Distortion Compensation Patents (Class 353/69)
  • Patent number: 7798655
    Abstract: A projection unit 17 effectively corrects out of focus due to a temperature rise. A mirror holding mechanism of a concave mirror 25 has a mirror holder 41 and a mirror holder base 42. The concave mirror 25 is slidably housed in the mirror holder 41. A focus correction member 57, which expands by heat, is disposed between a back face of the concave mirror 25 and reference plane S formed in the mirror holder. The concave mirror 25 and the focus correction element 57 are urged to the reference plane S by a mirror retainer spring 59.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsuura, Shinichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7794090
    Abstract: Application of dual photography is simplified by reducing the number of captured images needed to generate a light transport matrix T of (p×q) projection pixel array from (p×q) images to (p+q) images. Manipulation of the light transport matrix is also simplified by replacing the use of a matrix T with an index associating each projection pixel to only non-zero light transport values. By eliminating the use of zero-valued light transport coefficients, the memory and processing requirements for implementing dual photography are greatly reduced. This dual photography technique is applied to the calibration of projector-camera systems. A second method for calibrating projector-camera systems uses a known projection test pattern and a calibrated camera to associate projected markers on a real image to a captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kar-Han Tan, Jing Xiao, Anoop K. Bhattacharjya
  • Patent number: 7794094
    Abstract: A system and method of multi-directional projection in which the optical output from a projector is modified in response to characteristics of nearby surfaces, upon which projection can be directed. The multi-directional projection system can provide beneficial output as a primary indicator or a secondary indicating device that can be controlled by itself or synchronously with other devices, such as output from a computer monitor. One implementation incorporates an optical sensor coupled to the projector for registering object characteristics (e.g., distance, reflectance, texture, color, and ambient lighting), such as during a mapping operation performed across the pan and tilt range of the projector. The projection system preferably incorporates a focusing assembly and may include other controllable optical elements such as zoom. Control is preferably provided through commands within an application programming interface (API), such as executing on a personal computer or other form of computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Birmingham
  • Patent number: 7791614
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for display image adjustment is described. More particularly, handles associated with polygon vertices of a polygon rendered image are provided as a graphical user interface (GUI). These handles may be selected and moved by a user with a cursor pointing device to adjust a displayed image for keystoning, among other types of distortion. This GUI allows a user to adjust a projected image for position of a projector with respect to imaging surface, as well as for imaging surface contour, where such contour may be at least substantially planar, cylindrical, or spherical and where such contour may comprise multiple imaging surfaces. This advantageously may be done without special optics or special equipment. An original image is used as texture for rendering polygons, where the image is applied to the rendered polygons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Diamond, David R. Morey, Abraham B. De Waal, Jerome F. Duluk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7789516
    Abstract: A thin projection type image display device with a low chin height includes a cabinet, a screen, a projection optical system, an optical path changing unit, and a reflecting unit. The screen is disposed on a front side of the cabinet. The projection optical system enlarges and projects an image formed by a display element, and the optical path changing unit is disposed on the bottom of the cabinet to reflect the image enlarged and projected by the projection optical system. The reflection unit is disposed obliquely to the screen and below the screen to reflect the image reflected by the optical path changing unit toward the screen. The projection optical system is disposed in a space above a horizontal plane perpendicular to the screen, behind the front side of the cabinet, and below an optical path of light incident on a bottom of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-chol Lee, Kun-Ho Cho, Jong-soo Lee, Jae-hyun Park
  • Patent number: 7780296
    Abstract: A projection optical unit for obliquely projecting an image displayed on an image display element upon a projection surface, enlargedly, comprises: a lens group, being disposed neighboring to the image display element, and including a plural number of projection lenses therein; and a reflection mirror for reflecting lights emitting from the lens group, to be projected onto the projection surface, obliquely, wherein assuming that a light beam, emitting from a center of the display screen of the image display element, passing through a center of an entrance pupil of the lens group, and entering into a screen center on the projection surface, is a screen center light beam, then the screen center light beam is incident upon the projection surface, obliquely, with respect to a normal line thereon, the lens group comprises a front lens group including a plural number of refraction lenses, being disposed thereafter directing from the image display element to the projection surface and having rotationally symmetric s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Hisada, Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 7771055
    Abstract: A projector displays an image on a projection surface. The projector has a zoom adjusting module and a keystone correcting module. The zoom adjusting module adjusts zoom level of a zoom lens for enlarged projection of image light. The keystone correcting module corrects trapezoidal distortion of the image displayed on the projection surface by means of forming the effective panel image in a revised image formation area, the revised image formation area being part of the image formation area of the panel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Matsumoto, Shiki Furui, Masaru Kono
  • Patent number: 7766486
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a projection system having a spatial light modulator and projection lens and configured to project a light image, an image capture system having an image capture lens and CCD and configured to capture a screen-direction image, a distance measuring sensor and distance measuring processing section configured to detect a distance and angle to the screen, a control section configured to, while extracting a screen frame position from the image obtained by the image capture system and, from respective detection results of the distance measuring and an angle-of-view detections, obtain a corrected value while referring to a correction table of a memory section storing corrected values of a parallax of the projection system and image capture system in a table form and match an image projected by the obtained corrected value to a screen frame position extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Sakai
  • Patent number: 7766488
    Abstract: A projection-type image display apparatus for projecting an image, enlargedly, onto a projection surface, comprises: an image display element; a lens group, being disposed behind the image display element, comprising therein, a front lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a refractive lens, having a positive power and being rotationally symmetric in a surface configuration thereof, and a rear lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a lens having a free curved surface configuration and being rotationally asymmetric, thereby emitting the image displayed on the image display element; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light from the lens group, thereby projection onto the projection surface, obliquely; a first mounting base, on which the rear lens group is mounted; and a rod member, which is provided on the mounting base for moving the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Takanori Hisada, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 7766487
    Abstract: A projection-type image display apparatus for projecting an image, enlargedly, onto a projection surface, comprises: an image display element; a lens group, being disposed behind the image display element, comprising therein, a front lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a refractive lens, having a positive power and being rotationally symmetric in a surface configuration thereof, and a rear lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a lens having a free curved surface configuration and being rotationally asymmetric, thereby emitting the image displayed on the image display element; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light from the lens group, thereby projection onto the projection surface, obliquely; and a movement member for moving the plural number of lenses of the rear lens group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Hisada, Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Publication number: 20100177283
    Abstract: A projector includes: a projecting portion that projects an image based on input image data; an image data producing portion that produces the image data and then outputs the image data to the projecting portion; an image sensor that captures the projected image and thus produces a captured image; a movement detection sensor that is arranged on a plane parallel to the imaging plane of the image sensor and produces movement information on the basis of the detected movement, the movement detection sensor being arranged at an angle in the direction not equal to the horizontal direction and vertical direction of the imaging plane; a determining portion that determines whether the movement information meets an adjustment condition or not; and a control portion that, when the movement information meets the adjustment condition, controls the image data producing portion so as to adjust the image data on the basis of the captured image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7753534
    Abstract: There is disclosed a projection device which includes a light source constituted of a reflector and a light source lamp, a projection system including a projection encoder for forming a light image based on an input image signal to project it by use of light from the light source, a micromirror element and a projection lens, a photographing system including a photographing lens for photographing the projected image, a CCD and a process circuit, and a control section detecting a luminance distribution from the photographed image and correcting a luminance distribution of the light image formed by the micromirror element in accordance with the detected luminance distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiya Kuno
  • Publication number: 20100157253
    Abstract: A projector (300) includes a laser (310) that generates a light beam, a modulator (320) that modulates the light beam with image data, a scanner (340) that scans the light beam to display an image, and a diverger (350) (e.g., a lens) that diverges the light beam to increase its beamwidth. The beamwidth of the light beam may be increased such that it is approximately the same as a width of a pixel of the image. A three-color projector (300) includes second and third lasers (312, 314) that generate second and third light beams, second and third divergers (352, 354) that diverge the second and third light beams, to increase the beamwidths thereof, and means for combining (330) the three light beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus J.S. De Vaan
  • Publication number: 20100157255
    Abstract: In a projection optical system 4 for projecting an image being displayed on an image display element 3, the display surface of the image display element 3 and the projection surface of the projection optical system 4 are decentered in the Y-Z cross section and the projection surface is formed by means of a circular-arc-shaped curved surface with the chord thereof directed to the side of the projection optical system 4 in the X-Z cross section and the projection optical system 4 has at least a rotationally asymmetric corrective optical surface 5 for correcting the distortion of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Takayoshi Togino
  • Publication number: 20100157254
    Abstract: In an image projection apparatus, a sensed image obtained by sensing a projection surface, which contains a projected image, is obtained. Then, a difference image obtained by removing the projected image from the sensed image is used to detect a region corresponding to a predetermined object such as a user's hand or a pointer. Then, a user operation is determined based on the position and temporal variations of a particular portion of the region corresponding to the predetermined object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7742056
    Abstract: An image display system includes: an information processing apparatus that performs predetermined correction processing for image data to be displayed; and an image display apparatus that displays an image on the basis of the image data correction-processed in the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a first image correction operation processing section that executes, for the image data, correction processing set on the basis of characteristics of the image data of a plurality of correction processing to be performed for the image data. The image display apparatus includes a second image correction operation processing section that executes, for the image data correction-processed in the information processing apparatus, correction processing other than correction processing executed in the information processing apparatus of the plurality of correction processing to be performed for the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunaga Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20100141902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an outer dome configured to provide protection and optical correction to a system of projection optics and the output thereof. More particularly, an optical projection system having an optical offset of greater than 100% is comprised within a projector housing having an outer dome comprised of an optically active material mounted onto an opening approximately coinciding with the optical projection system's exit pupil. The outer dome is configured to be decenterized from the exit pupil (e.g., the center of the dome is offset from the exit pupil in one or more of an x, y, and z direction) such that it provides optical correction to a projected image. Therefore, an outer dome is configured to provide protection to optical elements provided therein and improvement of projected image quality (e.g., reduced image distortion, reduced aberration).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Texas Instruments incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Rene Destain, James Hallas, Steve Smith
  • Publication number: 20100130259
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and image stabilizing method therein are disclosed. When a prescribed image is projected using a projector module provided to a mobile terminal, hand shaking is detected by a sensing unit and is then corrected. Therefore, shaking of a projected image can be corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Dong Hoon LEE
  • Patent number: 7717574
    Abstract: For objects with non-Lambertian surfaces, an object surface is mapped by effectively modifying the reflective properties of the object surface being sensed. By effectively making the surface Lambertian with high albedo, a calibration imaging task is achieved using a typical camera from a single or small number of camera positions. The calibration method temporarily modifies the surface properties of the imaged object by applying a thin and opaque layer, such as a coating, covering, or veneer, to the object for the duration of the calibration imaging task. The surface of this layer is a Lambertian reflector, with medium to high albedo. The layer is snugly applied, so a shape of the layer is as close as possible to that of the surface. Once the layer is applied, imaging of the layer surface essentially yields the same shape as the underlying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Obscura Digital, Inc.
    Inventors: Niklas Lundback, Travis Threlkel, William C. Thibault
  • Patent number: 7717569
    Abstract: A projector screen includes one or more markers that are configured to be usable by projection processing circuitry in order to calculate a user perceived distortion in an image to be projected on the projector screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tomi Sokeila, Tapani Leppänen, Mika Pesonen, Kimmo Kuusilinna, Aki Launiainen
  • Publication number: 20100110394
    Abstract: A rear projection image display device according to an aspect of the present invention for projecting an image from a projection device onto a screen from a rear side, includes a plane reflection mirror for changing an optical path of the image from the projection device, fixing members for fixing more than one points on the periphery of the reflection mirror, rod-shaped reinforcement members fastened along the periphery and arranged inside the periphery in the rear side of the reflection mirror, support members being movable in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the reflection mirror, for supporting predetermined points between the fixing members on the periphery of the reflection mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Koichi MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 7703926
    Abstract: A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Everest Display Inc.
    Inventors: Hei-Tai Hong, Yueh-Hong Shih
  • Publication number: 20100097580
    Abstract: A display apparatus that displays an image on a retina of a user, the display apparatus comprising: an image output unit (100) which includes a light source (101, 110), a wavefront shape change unit (102, 109), and a scan unit (103, 108) and is configured to output display light for displaying the image; and a deflection unit (104, 107) configured to deflect, toward an eye of the user, the display light outputted by the image output unit (100). The deflection unit (104, 107) has a deflection characteristic of suppressing image distortion caused by a change in relative position of the deflection unit (104, 107) with respect to a pupil of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kakuya Yamamoto, Kenichi Kasazumi, Tatsuo Itoh, Akira Kurozuka, Keiji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7695146
    Abstract: A projection assembly is provided herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the projection assembly includes a modulator assembly, the modulator including at least one modulator panel, a projection lens assembly including a first projection lens sub-assembly in optical communication with the modulator assembly, the first projection lens sub-assembly being configured to form a virtual modulator, the virtual modulator corresponding to the output of the modulator assembly focused at a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott Lerner, Anurag Gupta
  • Patent number: 7695143
    Abstract: An image processing system and a projector project a calibration image onto a projection target, sense the calibration image to generate sensing information, and generate projection target region information based on the sensing information. The system and projector generate projection area information based on the sensing information, image distortion correction information based on the projection target region information and the projection area information, and correct an image signal based on the image distortion correction information so that image distortion is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masanobu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7690797
    Abstract: A transportable projector includes a focus adjustment unit for moving a focus lens in a projection lens, an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration in a direction along an optical axis of the projection lens in the projector, a determination unit for determining whether the projector is in a stationary state or in a moving state in accordance with an output of the acceleration sensor and for respectively determining the direction to which the projector has moved and the distance that the projector has moved in accordance with an output of the acceleration sensor, and a control unit for controlling movement of the focus lens by the focus adjustment unit in accordance with the determined direction and the determined distance of the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nec Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Higashi
  • Publication number: 20100079733
    Abstract: A wide-angle projection lens module is provided, including a reflective convex aspheric mirror and a refractive lens group of positive refractive power. The following Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied: 15<|Freflective/F|<25??Condition (1); and 1.5<|Frefractive/F|<2.0??Condition (2), wherein, F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module, Freflective is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror, and Frefractive is a focal length of the refractive lens group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MEISTREAM INTERNATIONAL OPTICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Kai-Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 7686460
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting a subject's eyes from being exposed to projected light when the subject is positioned in front of a background on which an image is displayed comprises capturing an image of the background including the displayed image, processing the captured image to detect the existence of the subject and to locate generally the subject and masking image data used by the projector to project the image corresponding to a region that encompasses at least the subject's eyes, the image data masking compensating for differing camera and projector viewpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: SMART Technologies ULC
    Inventors: David E. Holmgren, Erik Benner
  • Patent number: 7677737
    Abstract: A device includes a projector to project an image onto a surface. The device also includes a camera to capture a picture of the image, while it is being projected onto the surface, and a portion of an area surrounding the projected image. The device identifies a lightest portion in the projected image. The device adjusts a setting of the projector based on a comparison of an intensity of the identified lightest portion to an intensity of the portion of the area surrounding the projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Alexander Lonn
  • Patent number: 7677736
    Abstract: An illumination light source uses a beam to scan while a relatively small mirror, such as an MEMS mirror, is oscillated at or in the vicinity of the resonance frequency. In this instance, the scan angle is corrected with the use of a correction optical system for uniform illumination to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ken'ichi Kasazumi, Kiminori Mizuuchi, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100045942
    Abstract: A projection display apparatus for displaying an image on a projection plane by projection, includes: an image capturing unit capturing an image; an angle calculator calculating an angle of the projection plane relative to the projection display apparatus; a straight line detector detecting at least one reference line segment in the captured image; a line segment complementing section setting at least one complementary line segment in the captured image on the basis of the calculated angle so that an area on the projection plane corresponding to an area defined by the reference line segment and the complementary line segment is rectangular; and a keystone corrector correcting a keystone distortion of an image displayed on the projection plane on the basis of the reference line segment and the complementary line segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki FURUI
  • Patent number: 7661825
    Abstract: A projector apparatus has a projection device for projecting an image onto a projection surface; at least two displacement sensors for detecting horizontal displacements of the projector apparatus, the displacement sensors being spaced a predetermined distance from each other; a rotational angle calculator for calculating a rotational angle of the projector apparatus in a horizontal plane using the predetermined distance and the horizontal displacements, the horizontal displacements being detected by the displacement sensors; and a distortion corrector for correcting distortion of the image by using the rotational angle, the image being projected by the projection device, wherein the rotational angle is calculated by the rotational angle calculator as a horizontal corrective angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michiya Nishida
  • Patent number: 7661826
    Abstract: A driving mechanism drives a phase difference sensor including a pair of photodetectors arranged in line in a direction (sensor arrangement direction) perpendicular to the direction of arrangement of the photodetectors. The distance to a target object is measured in the sensor arrangement direction while the phase difference sensor is set in a given position. The distance to the target object is measured in a direction perpendicular to the sensor arrangement direction by moving the phase difference sensor through the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakuni Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 7661827
    Abstract: A projector is configured of a difference image generation section that generates a difference image between an all-white first calibration image and a second calibration image which includes an image having features at the center and periphery thereof, a center reference position detection section that detects a reference position of a center block area in the difference image, a peripheral reference position detection section that detects a reference position of a peripheral block area, and a projection area information generation section that generates projection area information indicating a position of a projection area, based on those reference positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7658498
    Abstract: Automated orientation of an image presented by a display, such as a projector, with the orientation of the display simplifies presentation of images generated by an information handling system. A display orientation sensor detects the orientation of a display so that a display orientation module automatically adjusts the orientation of an image presented by the display to align with the display orientation. For example, display orientation is sensed by an accelerometer associated with the display or by determining the attachment point of the display to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dell Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad R. Anson
  • Publication number: 20100014056
    Abstract: A projection system includes: a projection device mounted at a member that moves through space and projects an optical image; a detection device that detects relative position assumed in the space by a projection target surface onto which the optical image is projected and the projection device; and a control device that controls projection by the projection device in correspondence to the relative position detected by the detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Setsu Mitsuhashi, Nobuhiro Fujinawa
  • Patent number: 7648246
    Abstract: A projector includes: an imaging structure that photographs an image projected on a projection object to take a photographed image; an imaging control module that performs exposure adjustment in the imaging structure to attain a preset target exposure; a control module that sets the target exposure in the imaging ctrl module; an angle information acquisition module that obtains angle information representing an inclination of the projector to the projection object; and a storage unit that stores a map representing a variation in target exposure against the angle information. The control module controls the angle information acquisition module to obtain the angle information, refers to the map stored in the storage unit to specify a target exposure corresponding to the obtained angle information, and sets the specified target exposure in the imaging control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 7648243
    Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system is capable of minimizing a distance between viewing zones without reducing a distance between image projectors. In the stereoscopic projection system, a projector array having a plurality of image projectors are arranged substantially along an arrangement direction perpendicular to a connecting line between a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, and a directional screen has a first characteristic axis aligned at an angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the projector array, and a second characteristic axis perpendicular to the first characteristic axis. Therefore, the directional screen causes a plurality of images projected from the projector array to be relatively widened along the first characteristic axis and relatively narrowed along the second characteristic axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sergey Shestak, Kyung-hoon Cha
  • Patent number: 7639901
    Abstract: Display systems that utilize digital micro-mirror device (DMD) technology are finding wide application in the areas of projection systems for color display. The common name for such systems is digital light processing projection systems or DLP projection systems. The systems and methods described herein utilize the non-imaging light to monitor and calibrate the projected image since the high levels of illumination and extreme temperatures of the imaging light require careful attention to the manner of light collection. Light collection is accomplished in a waste gate area by a light collector, e.g., an optical fiber mat, and the collected light is communicated to an associated sensor. The technique is non-invasive and may be applied to existing designs with minimal modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lianza
  • Patent number: 7635190
    Abstract: A projector includes a light source, an optical modulation device to form an optical image, a projection optical device, and a projection position adjusting device to adjust the projection position. The projection position adjusting device includes a fixed member, a moving member a dial knob, a drive mechanism that transmit rotation of the dial knob, and a reference position detecting mechanism. The reference position detecting mechanism includes a spiral rail guiding section having a groove shape provided to a side face of the dial knob adjacent to the fixed member, along the rotational direction of the dial knob, a sliding section that slides in the guiding section with the rotation of the dial knob, and an engaging section provided to the guiding section, and engages with the sliding section upon the projection position of the projection optical device reaching the projection reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihisa Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090310088
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Edward K.Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR., Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090310089
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to transmitting and receiving information associated with projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Edward K.Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR., Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090290132
    Abstract: An image projection display system comprises a variable optical property element (1). The element (1) is under direction of a control system (2) and is positioned within an optical system (5), comprising optical elements (5(a, b, c, d, e, f, g)). A source image electronic device (4) receives inputs from a video generation system (7) and is illuminated with light from a photon source (11) filtered by a wavelength-selecting colour wheel (5(b)), under direction of an illumination control system (6). The element 1 comprises a thin Al-coated membrane (150) etched from Sa3N4 (151) mounted via spacers (153) over a substrate (152) having actuator pads (154). Circuits (155) supply various control voltages Electrostatic attraction causes the membrane (150) to deform towards the actuator pads (154) when voltages V1, V2, . . . VN are applied to the actuation channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Fergal Shevlin
  • Patent number: 7621647
    Abstract: Embodiments include a light engine to generate pixels and a number of lenses positioned to receive pixels from the light engine and to project the pixels on to a field with a higher angular pixel density at an edge of the field than at a center of the field. A method according to embodiments includes generating pixels in a light engine, receiving the pixels from the light engine in a plurality of lenses, and projecting the pixels through the plurality of lenses on to a field with a higher angular pixel density at an edge of the field than at a center of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Elumenati, LLC
    Inventors: D'nardo Colucci, David M. McConville, Clayton C. Hooker
  • Patent number: 7618148
    Abstract: A projector apparatus has an electrically conductive housing that includes a lower housing part and an upper housing part coupled to the lower housing part for covering the lower housing part, an internal projector module mounted in the housing, a first grounding component provided between the internal projector module and the upper housing part so as to establish a first grounding path between the internal projector module and the housing, and a second grounding component provided between the internal projector module and the lower housing part so as to establish a second grounding path between the internal projector module and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Meng, Chin-Long Tien, Jung-Chi Chen, Ying-Yuan Shen
  • Patent number: 7609958
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for calibrating imaging systems are provided. The imaging system has a body, a scene image capture system that captures images using a taking lens system that can be set to a plurality of different focus distances, and a rangefinder that is capable of determining a distance between the imaging system and at least one portion of a field of view of the taking lens system. The method comprises: automatically capturing a first calibration image of a first field of view through the taking lens system with the taking lens system set to a first focus distance setting; identifying a portion of the first calibration image having a predetermined degree of focus; using the rangefinder to determine a first calibration distance from the imaging device to the identified portion. A focus correlation is determined based upon the first calibration distance and the first focus distance setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John N. Border, Dan Harel, Russell J. Palum, John D. Griffith, Scott C. Cahall, Bruce H. Pillman
  • Patent number: 7607783
    Abstract: A document camera has an image processing apparatus, which acquires the contour of an image of an original by means of a Roberts filter. The image processing apparatus detects straight lines as candidates for forming an image of the original from the acquired contour and acquires the shape of a quadrangle of the original. The image processing apparatus determines the projection parameters showing the relationship between the shape of the image of the original and the shape of the actual original from the positions of the corners of the quadrangle and executes an operation of projection/transformation on the image of the original. The document camera outputs the image data of the image to a projector, which projects an image of the original on a screen according to the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Sakurai, Akihiko Nagasaka, Tetsuji Makino, Yoshihiro Teshima
  • Patent number: 7600876
    Abstract: In an optical angle detection apparatus, a single optical distance measurement unit is disposed opposite an object having a plane. The optical distance measurement unit includes a light projecting portion that projects a beam in the direction of an optical axis, and a light receiving portion that receives a beam reflected from a measurement position at which the optical axis intersects the plane and outputs a distance measurement signal indicating a distance to the measurement position. An optical axis deflector is provided for deflecting the optical axis to switch the measurement position between a first measurement position and a second measurement position, so that first and second distance measurement signals corresponding to the first and second measurement positions are output from the optical distance measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Tomio Kurosu, Norifumi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7600875
    Abstract: In a projector, CPU supplies a chart generation circuit with chart display information designating display position and display size of a chart image to be projected on a screen such that it comes within viewable ranges of phase difference sensors. For focus control, CPU sets display position near center of the screen, and designates display size regardless of distance between the projector and screen. For keystone correction, CPU designates display position and display size based on relationship among angular field of view, distance, and viewable ranges of the phase difference sensors. A superimposing circuit generates a video by superimposing a video signal with a chart image signal based on the chart display information. A display device projects the video superimposed by the superimposing circuit on the screen. CPU obtains the distance to the screen based on phase difference between reflection lights obtained by a sensor unit and corrects the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090244492
    Abstract: An automated geometry correction system and method for rear-projection systems is provided. The automated geometry correction system comprises at least one fiducial placed along each edge of the image screen to permit a correspondence between the image coordinate system of the projection engine, and the screen coordinate system of the image screen. Based on the established correspondence, an image warping algorithm is used to effect an inverse distortion for matching a source image to the projection engine and the image screen, thereby effecting the geometric correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael PERKINS